The two n exchanged a look. Seeing their hesitation, Ethan Lancaster reached out to snatch the contract back. "Not signing, are you?"
"We’ll sign, we’ll sign!" one of them reacted quickly, snatching the contract. He grabbed a pen and swiftly signed his na. "Mr. Reddington, it’s a pleasure doing business with you."
Ronan Reddington shook the proffered hand.
Ethan Lancaster rolled up the contract and tapped it twice against his palm. He had a habit of doing that, as if he were crushing soone’s life in his hand. "Dad, let’s go."
Ronan Reddington quickly gathered the docunts from the table. Ethan Lancaster planted his hands on the edge of the desk and leaned his upper body toward the two n, who were standing ramrod straight. "I was standing outside just now. I thought I heard soone bad-mouthing ."
"No, no, that didn’t happen..."
"And not just . They were bad-mouthing my wife, too."
"We really weren’t," the two were so anxious they were practically ready to swear an oath. "You can rest assured, we will give this project our all. We’ve always respected the Reddington Family’s capabilities and work ethic."
Ronan Reddington could hardly stand to listen anymore. He walked to the office door first and saw Raina Reddington standing outside. "Why haven’t you left yet?"
"Mm, I was waiting for you."
’This daughter of his was never close to the family, even as a child. Zoe Scott always said she had a strange personality and didn’t fit in.’
Ethan Lancaster followed him out. Assuming they must have overheard the conversation, Ronan Reddington said, "None of us have had dinner, right? Let’s go. We’ll eat at ho."
"No," Raina said, not moving. "I’d rather not go back."
’Wasn’t the last ti awkward enough?’ Ronan Reddington realized. "Then let’s eat out."
"Dad, he has plans tonight."
Ethan Lancaster slid a hand into his pocket. "I have no plans."
"Then let’s go."
The ground floor of Vexler Tower was filled with restaurants. Ronan Reddington chose a Hong Kong-style diner and let Ethan Lancaster order. Ethan didn’t hold back, casually picking several dishes.
Raina was on edge. "Mom’s waiting for us at ho."
"It’s fine. I’ll let her know."
Raina sipped her water absentmindedly as Ronan Reddington got straight to the point. "What’s going on with you two? Raina, why did you suddenly move back ho?"
"Dad, it’s nothing. I just missed Grandma."
"Dad, she wants to divorce ."
They both spoke at almost the sa ti, but Ethan Lancaster’s voice was louder, drowning Raina’s out.
Raina’s lips trembled. Ronan Reddington shot her a look, his eyes flashing with agitation. "What do you an, divorce? Why?"
"Dad," Raina said in a low voice, "this is between him and ."
"How long have you been married?"
Raina clutched her glass. "It’s because we haven’t been married long that we realized we’re not a good fit. It’s better to separate sooner rather than later."
Ethan Lancaster secretly clenched his jaw. Ronan Reddington had heard rumors about Ethan’s private life, and recalling the conversation between those two businessn, he grew worried. ’Maybe the divorce is Ethan’s idea.’
"Ethan, what are your thoughts on this?"
"Of course I don’t want a divorce."
Ronan Reddington felt a wave of relief. "Good."
"Dad, this is my business..."
"You, be quiet." Ronan Reddington glared at Raina. For the first ti, Ethan Lancaster approved of his father-in-law’s harshness. ’A disobedient daughter needs to be disciplined. She’s getting out of hand.’
The rest of the dinner was tense. Ethan Lancaster and Ronan Reddington did all the talking, leaving Raina to sit on the side and do nothing but eat.
After dinner, Raina followed Ronan Reddington out of the restaurant. The family driver was waiting outside.
"Raina, go ho with Ethan."
Raina’s brow furrowed involuntarily. "Dad, I’ll handle my own affairs. I just want to stay at ho for a couple of days."
"So many people are watching your every move right now. What does it look like, you living at your parents’ house? Go back tonight. Save the Reddington Family from this embarrassnt." After saying his piece, Ronan Reddington strode away.
Ethan Lancaster leaned against a nearby wall, saying nothing, just idly kicking at the ground. Raina had effectively been kicked out of her own ho. One mont, she’d been touched that her father had spoken up for her; the next, she was being thrown out. ’How tragic.’
"Don’t tell the Fourth Master actually wants to go back?"
Ethan Lancaster was all tough talk. "I never said that. Besides, The Verdant Garden isn’t a place you can just co and go from as you please."
"Goodbye." Raina left him and walked out of Vexler Tower. Seeing her leave so decisively made Ethan Lancaster extrely annoyed. He wanted to chase after her but was too proud.
Just as Raina stepped off the curb, the phone in her purse started ringing.
She glanced at the caller ID. It was Minnie Hale.
Raina answered without a second thought. "Hello?"
"Raina," Minnie said, her voice deliberately hushed. "Are you free right now?"
"Did sothing happen?"
It had taken all of Minnie’s courage to call Raina. She truly couldn’t think of any other option. "I know I’ve already been so much trouble, but you’re the only one I can turn to. I’m terrified. I have nightmares every single night."
"Minnie, just tell what’s on your mind."
"That day... he took pictures of ."
"What?" Raina stopped in her tracks. "Explain. Be clear."
"In that room. He said as long as I don’t cause any more trouble, he won’t release the photos. My family already took the money, so the matter is supposed to be over. But I really want to get those pictures back. I don’t want to live my whole life in constant fear."
Raina was seething with anger. "He doesn’t even deserve to be called human."
"Raina, what should I do?"
Raina saw Ethan Lancaster walk out of the tower as well. The driver pulled the car up beside him, but he was just putting on an act, not getting in.
"Don’t you worry. First, just try not to be scared. I’ll figure sothing out."
Ethan Lancaster saw Raina striding toward him, looking like she was ready for a fight.
She stopped in front of him and looked up. "Where is Caron Fairchild?"
"How should I know?"
"Call him."
"No." Ethan reached for the car door. "I’m leaving."
Raina slamd the door shut. "He took pictures of Minnie Hale! The Hale Family has already conceded so much, is he really trying to back her into a corner?"
"Pictures? What kind of pictures?"
"Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I an."
Ethan rested a hand on the car’s roof, leaning his body against it. "I’ve already cut ties with him. Caron Fairchild is a man of questionable character. Why would I keep him around?"
"Then give your phone. I’ll call him."
"I blocked his number."
Raina grabbed the front of Ethan’s jacket. He hadn’t expected her to be so strong and was pulled off-balance, stumbling a couple of steps. She reached into his jacket pocket—nothing. Then she plunged her hand into his pants pocket, her fingers brushing against the corner of his phone.
Ethan’s arm slid around her waist, pinning her against the car door. "Feeling up in public? It’s only been a few days. Did you miss that much?"
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